Lead Principal Scientist PSM

Date: 6 Oct 2026
Location:
Bangalore, KA, IN, 562158
Division: Development Services
Principal Scientist – Performance & Specialty Materials (PSM)
Level: 5
Qualification: Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry with Postdoctoral Research Experience
Experience: 1-3 Years (CRO/CDMO Industry Experience is preferred)
Role Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Principal Scientist to join the Performance & Specialty Materials (PSM) team. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, process development, and scale-up, coupled with a passion for solving complex scientific challenges. The role requires hands-on laboratory involvement, customer engagement, project leadership, and mentoring of junior scientists while ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and data integrity standards.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership & Project Execution
Lead and execute multiple polymer research and development projects within challenging timelines.
Design, plan, and conduct experiments for polymer synthesis, process development, optimization, and scale-up.
Develop expertise in advanced polymerization techniques, including anionic, cationic, controlled radical polymerization (CRP), and RAFT polymerization, and apply them to customer projects.
Perform hands-on synthesis and characterization of polymers, including air-, moisture-, and light-sensitive reactions.
Drive innovation through literature review, ideation, proof-of-concept studies, and technology assessment.
Polymer Development & Scale-Up
Develop robust and scalable polymer manufacturing processes.
Support technology transfer from laboratory to kilo-lab, pilot plant, and commercial manufacturing.
Contribute to process troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement efforts.
Experience in functionalized polymers for bioconjugation and biomedical applications will be an added advantage.
Understanding of Enzyme/drug/protein conjugation with functionalized polymer is desirable.
Customer & Business Engagement
Interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders to understand project requirements and deliver solutions.
Prepare technical proposals, project plans, progress reports, and final technical reports.
Present project updates and scientific findings to customers and internal leadership teams.
Team Development & Laboratory Management
Mentor, coach, and train junior scientists in polymer synthesis, analytical techniques, and laboratory best practices.
Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including planning, documentation, resource utilization, and compliance.
Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Facilitate the integrated drug development (IDD) programs across different verticals
Compliance & Quality
Ensure strict adherence to Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHSS) requirements with 100% compliance.
Maintain accurate and compliant documentation in accordance with data integrity and quality guidelines.
Complete all mandatory LMS, classroom, and on-the-job training requirements within stipulated timelines.
Adhere to all company policies related to Data Integrity, Quality, and Regulatory Compliance.
Essential
Technical Skills & Qualifications
Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry with relevant postdoctoral research experience.
Strong R&D experience in polymer synthesis and related materials science disciplines.
Hands-on expertise in polymerization techniques and polymer process development.
Proficiency in polymer characterization and analytical techniques.
Experience handling air-, moisture-, and light-sensitive reactions.
Excellent experimental design, problem-solving, and laboratory execution skills.
Strong scientific writing, presentation, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred
Experience in anionic, cationic, RAFT, CRP, and other controlled polymerization methodologies.
Expertise in functionalized polymers, bioconjugation chemistry, and biomedical polymer applications.
Experience in process scale-up, technology transfer, kilo-lab, and pilot plant operations.
Knowledge of cGMP requirements and quality systems.
Experience in polymer processing techniques and industrial-scale polymer manufacturing.
Leadership Competencies
Demonstrated leadership and project management capabilities.
Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing experience.
Ability to mentor and develop junior scientific talent.
Excellent collaboration and cross-functional teamwork skills.
Location: Bengaluru
Function: Performance & Specialty Materials (PSM)
Reporting To: Associate Director / Group Leader/ Head, PSM
This role offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge polymer science projects, translate innovative chemistry into scalable solutions, and contribute to the growth of advanced materials technologies.

Work arrangement
No